Kären McCormick Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Answer: The last year was great. I spent time writing and recording my forthcoming EP. I wanted to challenge myself to release the best songs that represent me as an artist
right now, and I feel I did just that with my collaborators by my side. I’m looking forward to sharing the record this summer.
Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?
Answer: I like to record the mid-tempo songs the most in terms of production. They excite me because it’s almost like there’s no rules and while you’re in the studio you’re coming up with more ideas in real-time. I also love recording ballads and having the opportunity to challenge myself to capture those emotions through the recording.
Lamitschka: What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?
Answer: My latest single, “Heartbroken Girls” is actually my favorite song I’ve recorded and I think it’s safe to say it’s my favorite song on the EP. The studio day was so fun and we did gang vocals where a group of people shout along with the lead singer and I’d never done anything like that on my previous releases. I feel this style is most in line with where I am headed as an artist and best represents me right now, so that makes me proud.
Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
Answer: I have several influences and I find that I gravitate towards them for different reasons. Kacey Musgraves is someone who I admire for her unapologetic songwriting, and in turn I am reminded as a songwriter to always use my voice to tell it as it is. Carrie Underwood’s career has spanned for over a decade and she is constantly raising the bar for her own tours and championing other artists. I had the opportunity to see Shania Twain live in concert a few years ago and I loved her captivating stage presence.
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its past and where do you see it going in the future?
Answer: It’s hard to say because the way we consume music is changing, and it’s changing fast. Truthfully, I think the music industry will be determined in a large part by the consumers. If consumers are listening on Spotify and Apple Music, that is where artists will be. If fans are going to buy tickets for tours rather than CDs, artists will be playing more and more live shows. Music certainly isn’t going anywhere, but how we consume it as an audience and how we produce it as artists will always continue to evolve.
Lamitschka: Is there any place you haven’t played that you would like to?
Answer: I would love to play an international show. I’ve had my eyes set on Canada for a long time. Growing up in Washington State, we’ve taken several trips to Canada and I love the country, I love the people, and many of my listeners are Canadian. I would love to play the music live and thank them for listening.
Lamitschka: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?
Answer: It can vary slightly depending on the type of the show. Fairs and festivals are going to have a different atmosphere than a winery or a coffee shop. Coffee shops and wineries lean more towards what I call “storytelling” shows — it’s an acoustic setting where I will share more details about the stories behind the songs and talk with the audience. Something I take pride in as an artist is the conversations I like to have with the audience.
Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?
Answer: Yes! My website is www.karenmccormickmusic.com . Here you will find the latest tour dates, links to my music, including my latest single, “Heartbroken Girls” and
you can sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear news.
Lamitschka: What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?
Answer: This is a tough one because there are so many to choose from! In more recent memory, “Space Cowboy” by Kacey Musgraves is everything you’d want in a country ballad. It’s painfully honest and heartbreaking, and the production is fantastic. It’s one of those songs that will stand the test of time, and as a songwriter those are the kind of records you strive to create.
Lamitschka: Describe what a perfect day is like for you.
Answer: A day where music is involved is always a great day. Anything from writing a new song to recording a new song, playing a show or even having someone share a song to social media. It’s a reminder and reassurance that this is what I want to do — impact people with the music I write and create.
Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de ) for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show